Celiac Disease: A Diagnosis Unknown and Difficult to Recognize

Celiac disease has always been difficult to diagnose. Most often, celiac disease is confused for irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerant. Most people go through life undiagnosed, unknowing the underlying cause of their stomach and health problems. Today, it is becoming more recognizable and patients are now getting the education and treatment they need

So what is celiac disease? It has to do with the digestive system. An important part of the digestive system is the small intestine. In the small intestine, there are millions of finger like projections called villi and nutrients are absorbed into your body through these villi. In people who suffer from celiac disease, their body has a reaction to gluten. Whenever they eat foods containing gluten, their body reacts to this gluten and, an immune system reaction to the protein will gradually damage the villi in the small intestine, therefore they are unable to absorb the vitamins and other nutrients they need to remain healthy. Patients with celiac disease are at a high risk for anemia, malnutrition and osteoporosis.

Children with celiac disease may not grow properly and suffer from weight loss and fatigue if gone undiagnosed. Also, people with celiac may be at risk for diabetes, thyroid disorders and gastrointestinal cancer as well. It is unknown what causes celiac disease but experts do know that it is genetic. Generally, there will be more than one member of a family who suffer from celiac disease.

Some common symptoms of celiac disease are diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. Patients usually report feeling very fatigued, some feel irritable or depressed as well. Stress can also cause symptoms to become more intense. Some may not show any symptoms until they go through and emotional or physically stressing event.